How to Fix “Retrieving Data. Wait a Few Seconds and Try to Cut or Copy Again” in Excel 🚀

What Causes the “Retrieving Data” Error in Excel?

Before fixing the problem, let’s understand why it happens. This error typically pops up due to:

• External Data Sources: Your workbook is linked to an external data source (e.g., databases or web queries).
• Network Issues: A slow or unstable connection is disrupting data retrieval.
• Large Data Sets: Handling massive data can sometimes overwhelm Excel.
• Corrupted Cache: The cache storing temporary data may have become corrupted.

Now that you know the culprits, here are simple and effective fixes to get Excel running smoothly again.

Fix 1: Check Your Internet Connection

If your Excel file is linked to online data sources, a poor internet connection could be the issue.

• Ensure you’re connected to a stable network.
• Disconnect and reconnect to see if it resolves the issue.
• Test loading another website to confirm your internet speed is fine.

Fix 2: Refresh Data Connections

Sometimes, manually refreshing your data connections can fix the error.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Excel.
2. Go to Data > Refresh All.
3. Wait for the refresh to complete, then retry your operation.

Fix 3: Break the External Links

If the issue persists, consider breaking the link to the external data source.

Steps:

1. Open the workbook.
2. Go to Data > Edit Links.
3. Select the problematic link.
4. Click the Break Link.

⚠️ Note: Breaking a link will replace formulas with static values. Make a backup first!

Fix 4: Clear Excel Cache

A corrupted cache might be the root cause of this error. Clearing it can help.

How to Clear Cache in Excel:

1. Close all Excel files.
2. Open File Explorer and go to:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Excel

3. Delete the contents of the Cache folder.

Restart Excel and check if the error is resolved.

Fix 5: Optimize Excel Performance

If you’re dealing with large datasets, optimizing Excel might help.

• Disable Add-ins:
  1. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
  2. Disable unnecessary add-ins.
• Turn off Automatic Calculations:
  1. Go to Formulas > Calculation Options > Manual.
• Split Data: Break large datasets into smaller chunks across multiple sheets.

Fix 6: Update or Reinstall Excel

Outdated software can trigger unexpected errors.

• Check for updates under File > Account > Update Options.
• If updating doesn’t help, uninstall and reinstall Excel.

Fix 7: Repair the Workbook

If the file itself is corrupted, repairing it might solve the problem.

To Repair an Excel File:

1. Open Excel.
2. Go to File > Open.
3. Select your file, click the drop-down arrow on the Open button, and choose Open and Repair.

Bonus Tips to Avoid Future Errors

• Save Backups Regularly: Keep multiple copies of important files.
• Avoid Overloading Excel: For massive datasets, consider tools like Power BI.
• Keep Excel Updated: Always use the latest version for improved performance.

Conclusion

The “Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again” error in Excel can be a pain, but it’s entirely fixable.

Start with the simplest solutions like checking your internet or refreshing data connections. For persistent issues, clearing the cache, breaking links, or optimizing Excel might do the trick.

Now, go ahead and fix that error—Excel is waiting!

Do you have any other Excel-related woes? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help.